How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Future Educator

Rachel O'Malley

McKay Student Ambassador

Elementary Education

---

Everyone faces self-doubt from time to time, and students preparing to become teachers are no exception. I remember how nervous I was when I walked into my first lesson in Art Ed 326. As a group of energetic first graders burst through the door, sprinting at full speed, I watched in panic as they tackled each other and sent a stack of colorful construction paper flying in every direction. Every classroom management tip I had memorized seemed to vanish, and my heart pounded in my chest. In that overwhelming moment, I felt completely out of place, convinced I didn’t belong there and had no idea how to teach this lively group of students. But after taking a few deep breaths, I greeted the class and started the lesson. It wasn’t perfect, but I made it through and over time, I learned how to manage those moments of doubt.

Building confidence as a future educator takes time, but with practice and the right strategies, you can develop the resilience you need to thrive. In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to manage self-doubt and build the self-assurance that will help you succeed in your teaching journey.

Understanding Self-Doubt in Education

Self-doubt can sneak in when you least expect it, sometimes even after lots of hard work. It may whisper, "You’re not good enough," or shout, "You don’t belong here." These feelings often surface when lesson plans unexpectedly fall apart, student engagement slips away, or when you compare yourself to more experienced teachers. The important thing to remember is that these feelings are normal and more importantly, they are manageable.

Building Confidence Through Preparation

One of the most effective ways to combat self-doubt is through preparation. During my first interview in MTHED 305 with a kindergarten student, I didn’t prepare as well as I should have. I left feeling upset and unqualified to teach. Determined to improve, I prepared thoroughly for my next interview. I brainstormed strategies to maintain the student's attention, and ensured I fully understood the content I was teaching. The result was far more successful and left me feeling confident in my abilities. This experience taught me the power of always being prepared.

Preparation gives you a sense of control. By planning engaging activities, researching classroom management techniques, and anticipating potential challenges, you’ll feel more capable and prepared to respond effectively. Resources like social media groups for teachers, educational websites, and lesson planning tools can provide valuable ideas to help you succeed and grow your confidence.

Shifting Your Mindset

Embracing a growth mindset is another powerful strategy for overcoming self-doubt. Believing that your skills and abilities can improve through effort allows you to see challenges as opportunities to learn. Reframing your thoughts can help you focus on progress rather than perfection. Instead of thinking, "I’ll never be as good as my mentor," try saying, "I’m learning and improving each day, and I’ll get better with practice."

When mistakes happen, and they will, view them as valuable learning experiences rather than evidence that you’re not good enough. This mindset shift empowers you to build resilience and confidence in your ability to adapt and grow.

Finding Strength in Your Support System

A strong support system can also play a crucial role in overcoming self-doubt. Connecting with colleagues, mentors, or friends who understand the challenges of education provides encouragement, guidance, and perspective. Sharing your struggles with people who have faced similar experiences can remind you that you’re not alone and that moments of doubt are part of the learning process. Seeking advice from experienced teachers can provide practical strategies for managing difficult situations.

Celebrating Small Wins

Recognizing and celebrating your progress is essential to building confidence. Small victories such as improving your lesson delivery, or finding a creative way to explain a difficult concept, are meaningful milestones. By intentionally acknowledging these achievements, you can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going well.

One strategy that has helped me is keeping a “Teaching Wins” journal, where I record moments that bring me joy or show growth as a teacher. Whenever I’m feeling discouraged or doubting my abilities, I revisit these entries to remind myself of the positive impact I’m making. Over time, these small celebrations build momentum, reinforcing your belief that you are capable and making a difference.

Embrace the Journey 

Overcoming self-doubt as a future educator is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and self-compassion. By preparing thoroughly, embracing a growth mindset, building on your support system, and celebrating small wins, you can build the confidence needed to succeed in the classroom. Remember, teaching is a learning process and every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger. Always believe in your ability to learn, and adapt because you are more capable than you know.

---

 HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION MAJORS?

Come meet with us during Ambassador Afternoons! If those times don't work, schedule an appointment here.